As winter has been settling in this week, it seemed like a good time to take a pitstop and “Fill ‘Er Up!,” as my grandpa used to say. This time of year, being indoors so much, it can feel like you’re burning fuel going nowhere. Or . . . just me? As a creative, who works from a home studio, the daily struggle this time of year is to not burn out by overthinking. It’s a yearly struggle, really, but more so this time of year. The speed at which my mind can race is like a Ferrari going 200mph. Watch out for the deathly turn around Worry Bend. It’s a doozy.

I’ve learned throughout the years that when I’m peeling out, it’s time to STOP. Fill ‘er up. And switch gears. Here are a few things that have continued to help me—maybe they’ll help you, too, if you’re ever in need of a creative jump start.

Step Away from Social Media. You can do it. I know it’s hard. I don’t even need to tell you why it’s good for you—you know. It’s doesn’t have to be a week or a month. Try a day for starters. Or one night.

MOVE. This doesn’t need to be in an exercise way (although kudos if you do!). Take a ride in your car. Or, if you’re a city-dweller, take a walk with no agenda. Changing atmosphere can give you a spark.

Go to Your Happy Place. Where is that? For me, that can be a museum or a coffee shop or a beach or a park. Your mood can shift where that happy place is, but take a moment to listen to where that inner-you wants to go.

CONNECT (IRL). Refer to #1 and then . . . make plans with someone to meet up in person. It’s not convenient—we’re all “busy”—but don’t give up on people if it doesn’t work out. The point is to show you care—because you do, even if you don’t show it every day—and turn your energy outwards.

Make for Fun. “Fun” can be a loaded word, but the implication, to me, is a child-like spirit or joy that comes out of doing something as if no one was watching. We don’t always operate out of that place, but more often we should. It could be an art project, a home project, or even food. Make something that makes you feel alive again.